Greek Fest

The Knoxville Greek Festival usually occurs on the last Friday, Saturday and Sunday of September. They have had it in August and in the Spring, but my favorite time is in the early Fall. I LOVE the Greek Fest and look forward to it every year.

The food is fabulous especially the baklava. The music is great and the dancers are wonderful. And I always love touring the Greek church St. George and looking at the amazing mosaics. This past year as well as this one, Emma Caroline really got into the dancing. Sophie enjoyed the music and a little baklava as well.

I also ran into a few of my students that I had in 2nd grade at Sacred Heart. They are in 5th grade now and have grown so much! We had a great time and look forward to next year!

Pictures at Sunset

Ahh, but of course we wanted to take the quintessential family beach pictures. The beach is the perfect place for beautiful pictures, and sunset or sunrise is the best time to get amazing lighting. Our wonderful friend Kristen Pearson took these pictures for us at sunset. She did and amazing job. Thanks Kristen!

Sand Castles and Ocean Waves

On our first day at the beach, Emma Caroline enjoyed building her first sand castle and Sophie loved playing in the sand, even giving it a little taste just for good measure. The ocean waves, on the other hand, did not bring the same enthusiasm as the sand. Sophie did NOT like those white crashing waves and let her Mommy know that she was not in the least bit pleased. Today has been a little overcast with some sun. This morning we hit the beach again and we are now enjoying a little sunnier weather in in the pool. As our adventures continue, we'll post more pictures.

Hilton Head

We arrived at Hilton Head Island yesterday afternoon. After unpacking, playing in the pool and eating seafood for dinner, the girls settled into bed and Howie and I sat down with a collective sigh. We were exhausted! Today, we set out for the beach! It has been a very overcast day, but great for the girls' first ever day at the beach . We are having a great time so far, and will post more pictures as the week progresses.

Packing for the Beach.

We are headed for Hilton Head on Saturday for our beach trip. Today I have been cleaning, washing clothes and packing. It looks like we will be taking one more passenger with us as Barkley has decided to stow away. Sorry buddy, you and Lucy are going to the Dog Spa!

Patent Pending!

There is a new toy on the market. The Baby Plunger. Now before you go and get grossed out and think, "Oh my goodness, Amy has lost her senses," the plunger featured in these pictures has never been used before. Sophie just happened to find my recent purchase and had a blast carrying it around the house. Interestingly, my neighbor's little boy also liked to play with a never used plunger. Hmmmm . . . should I be contacting Fisher Price or Mattel?

Ready for Fall!

We are all looking forward to fall weather coming soon here at the Avery House. It always makes me think of going apple picking on the farm, going on hayrides, raking and jumping in leaves, and carving pumpkins. The girls are all ready for fall with their matching smocked farm dresses. To help get you in the fall spirit I am posting a poem I found recently that paints a perfect picture of fall. Enjoy!

Leaves

by Elsie Brady

How silently they tumble down
And come to rest upon the ground
To lay a carpet, rich and rare,
Beneath the trees without a care,
Content to sleep, their work well done,
Colors gleaming in the sun.

At other times, they wildly fly
Until they nearly reach the sky.
Twisting, turning through the air
Till all the trees stand stark and bare.
Exhausted, drop to earth below
To wait, like children, for the snow.

They Say It's Your Birthday!

Happy Birthday Kelly! Today is my youngest sister, Kelly's 21st birthday. For those of you who have not met my "Kells," she is a beautiful person both inside and out and is an awesome little sister. I was 13 when Kelly was born and I remember it as if it were yesterday. She came to us early and was the tiniest little bundle with a head full of hair. Despite our age difference, I feel as close to Kelly as any sister would. I feel so blessed to have Kelly and Katie as sisters and I love spending time with both of them. Kelly is also an incredible aunt to Emma Caroline and Sophie. She is the type of person who will drop everything to help someone and she does so without complaining or wanting recognition for her efforts. Kelly is a beautiful, graceful and kind-hearted young woman. Happy 21st Birthday Kells! Have a wonderful day!

Great Greats!

Emma Caroline and Sophie are fortunate to have many great aunts and uncles and even a great-great Aunt Mavis or "Mamie." Sophie even shares her birthday with her Great Uncle Harold. How special! This past weekend, Emma Caroline and Sophie got to spend time with two of their great aunts; Aunt Linda and Aunt Brenda. They had a wonderful time going to lunch, reading stories, tickling and playing with their Great Aunts Linda and Brenda (as well as Nana of course). We love all of our great Greats and look forward to spending time with all of them. We are so blessed to have so many.

Happy Birthday Poppy!

Today would have been my stepfather Richard's 70th birthday. We're in Memphis this weekend to remember and celebrate his life with my mom. He left us in May, but we will remember the good times we had. Richard really enjoyed Emma Caroline and Sophie and took great pleasure in taking them to the zoo, the Peabody, and outside to "camp" and roast hot dogs. He really loved them both and I know for certain they brought him much joy in his final days here on Earth. They equally delighted in the company of their Poppy. And so we celebrate our good memories. Happy 70th birthday Poppy! We love and miss you.

Pictures from our last visit with Poppy, Easter 2008

Reading a story from the Easter Bunny

Nana and Poppy
Camping in the backyard
Camping

Great Pictures!

All right, I may be a little partial because these pictures are of my girls and Howie, but I have to say I think they are just GREAT! No, I didn't take them, my friend Mary Hatcher did at recent birthday celebrations. I especially love the black and white picture of Howie and Emma Caroline at IAMS nature center. It's so in the moment. Thanks Mary! You did a wonderful job of capturing all the fun on film.

New Mets Pitcher?

The other morning as we were eating breakfast Howie said, "Emma Caroline, do you know who is pitching for the Mets today . . . Johann Santana!" Emma Caroline replied, "Hannah Montana is pitching for the Mets, Daddy?" Although Emma Caroline doesn't watch the TV show Hannah Montana, she sure knows who Hannah Montana is and her name was definitely more recognizable than Johann Santana's. I wonder if Hannah Montana is up for the task.

It's Football Time in Tennessee!

Oh Yes, it's that time of year again! We are donning our orange and hanging our Power T flag in support of the Vols. To those of you who are Tennessee fans, you know there is no better time in Knoxville than football season. So pull out all of your orange 'cause "It's Football Time in Tennessee!"

Emma Caroline and Sophie are ready for the football season too. Sophie, at 14 months, is actually able to wear the dress Emma Caroline wore at 6 months. We couldn't help but reprise the picture of Emma Caroline and Ellie from football season 2005. This year's picture features Sophie and Barkley. Go Vols Go!

Sophie (14 months) and Barkley, Fall 2008

Emma Caroline (6months) and Ellie Fall 2005